Nagaon has been home to, or is deeply associated with, several prominent figures in Assamese history, culture, and sports:
* **Srimanta Sankardeva (1449–1568)**: The revered saint-scholar, poet, playwright, and social-religious reformer whose birthplace is Bordowa, near Nagaon. * **Hima Das**: The internationally acclaimed track-and-field sprinter, affectionately known as the "Dhing Express," hails from the Dhing area of the Nagaon district. * **Dev Kant Baruah**: A prominent Indian politician who served as the President of the Indian National Congress during the Emergency period, and a celebrated Assamese poet. * **Dr. Bhabendra Nath Saikia**: Highly acclaimed Assamese novelist, short story writer, and film director who spent foundational years of his life in Nagaon. * **Mahim Bora**: An eminent Assamese writer and educationist, recognized with the Sahitya Akademi Award for his contributions to literature. * **Jatin Bora**: A leading actor and director in the Assamese film industry, born and raised in Nagaon.